In a departure from typical elections where candidates’ credibility is paramount, the Thane Lok Sabha seat is poised to be an acid test for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He is vigorously campaigning in the constituency to secure victory for his party in what is considered to be his stronghold.
Shinde’s political ambitions and personal grievances have sparked a significant power shift in the state, culminating in a split within the Shiv Sena. Now he faces his first electoral challenge in a constituency the Shiv Sena has historically dominated, winning six out of the past eight Lok Sabha elections. The Thane seat holds particular significance to Shinde as it is where he had risen through the ranks of the Sena, representing its Kopri-Pachpakhadi assembly seat for four consecutive terms since 2004.
Among the 24 candidates vying for victory, the battle is primarily between the two Sena factions, setting the stage for a historic showdown in what’s considered the party’s oldest stronghold. Thane holds special significance for the Shiv Sena, marking the site of its initial political triumph in 1967 when it secured 17 out of 40 seats, becoming the dominant force in the city’s municipal corporation.
Advertisem*nt
Also Read | Sena vs Sena on 13 seats in Maharashtra: Litmus test forboth parties, survival test for CM Shinde
The Shiv Sena (UBT) has nominated incumbent MP Rajan Vichare, a two-time winner, while the Shiv Sena, led by CM Shinde, has fielded Naresh Mhaske, a former mayor of Thane. However, this decision has sparked discontent among the workers of BJP in Thane and the corporators who were supporting Sanjeev Naik, the elder son of senior leader Ganesh Naik, as the Mahayuti candidate. Following discussions between Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Mhaske, the upset BJP cadre have pledged their support to the Mahayuti candidate.
The Thane constituency comprises six assembly seats namely Mira Bhayandar, Ovala Majiwada, Kopri-Pachpakhadi, Thane, Airoli and Belapur. While four seats are held by BJP, two are under Shiv Sena. With 25.64 lakh registered voters, Thane encompasses both up-and-coming areas like Navi Mumbai and Mira Bhayandar, as well as established regions within Thane city, showcasing a diverse geographic and demographic landscape.
Traditionally, Thane’s older areas have been predominantly Maharashtrian, but recent years have witnessed significant demographic shifts. This evolving diversity poses a challenge for political parties, as they strive to understand and address the varied needs of the electorate.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Dr. Sanjay Patil, a Mumbai-based political researcher said, “Thane constituency is very diverse and post-2019, there has been a significant demographic shift. The last census was held in 2011 but when one looks at the changing skyline of Mira Bhayandar, Navi Mumbai as well as Thane, it can be seen that there has been an increase in the influx of population from other districts. Unfortunately, there is no steady record on the makeup of this changing demography and what their demands are, which is a cause of fear for the political parties.”
Advertisem*nt
Also Read | Amid deadlock over seats: Shinde Sena fields minister Sandipan Bhumre from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, sets up triangular contest
Despite facing challenges, incumbent Rajan Vichare remains confident, citing his previous victory margin of 4.21 lakh votes. His opponent, Mhaske, though considered a political novice, enjoys local support and Mahayuti’s backing.
“Last time, I won with a lead of 4.21 lakh. In the entire state of Maharashtra, I was the second highest. We will win with a huge margin this time as well,” Vichare said.
The presence of MNS in the Mahayuti alliance has further strengthened their position. Former colleagues Vichare and Shinde, both mentored by Dharamveer Anand Dighe, a pivotal figure in Thane’s political landscape since the 1980s, have embarked on campaigns highlighting their connection to Dighe. “Mhaske has been a Shiv Sainik from the beginning and had led the Vidyarthi Sena. Under the guidance of Dighe saheb, Mhaske took out protests, resolved student issues and has worked for the cause of Thane people ever since,” a Shiv Sena old-timer, who worked closely with Dighe told The Indian Express.
It is thanks to this shared history that the debate surrounding “Dighe’s Real Shishya” has now emerged as the new flavour of the ongoing campaigns by both the Sena candidates in the constituency. Meanwhile, Thane voters grapple with a myriad of issues including water scarcity, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure.
Advertisem*nt
“Despite its infra boost, Thane does not have its own source of water. All the big residential projects have added strain to the existing water crisis and they themselves depend on tanker services for daily needs,” said activist and Thane resident Rohit Joshi. Another Thane resident, Nishant Bangera, told The Indian Express, “The rapid urbanisation is also adding pressure on the green cover, including on the national park which partly lies in Thane, the urban green cover as well as the lakes that the city is known for.” With the metro projects stuck in limbo for years, interconnectivity is another issue weighing heavy on the minds of Thane voters.
Additionally, recent communal unrest in the Naya Nagar area of Mira Road has underscored simmering tensions within the constituency.
